We really liked the navigation controls and keypad of the G'zOne Type-S. Not only were all the keys really easy to press, they were well-spaced and had smooth bumps and curves so we could dial by feel. The navigation controls consist of two soft keys, and a five-way toggle that doubles as four user-defined shortcuts and a middle OK button. Underneath the two soft keys are two shortcut keys that have different functions depending on how long you hold down the key. Press the left key quickly for the still camera, while a longer press activates the video camera. Similarly, a short press on the right key activates the speakerphone, while a long press turns the camera flash LED into a steady light. The keys have a subtle blue backlight when activated.
The G'zOne Type-S comes packed with a desktop charging cradle and a headset jack adapter.
Features
Even though the G'zOne Type-S is the successor to the Type-V, it would be a mistake to call the Type-S an upgrade, because its features are somewhat of a downgrade from the Type-V. Billed as a more basic phone, the Type-S doesn't have EV-DO, doesn't support V Cast, and has a VGA camera instead of a megapixel lens. But before we delve further, let's start with the basics. The G'zOne Type-S's phone book holds about 500 contacts and each entry holds four numbers and two e-mail addresses. You can organize them into groups, match them with a picture for caller ID (though it won't show up on the external display as mentioned previously), as well as one of 10 polyphonic ringtones. Simple features include a vibrate mode, text and multimedia messaging, a speakerphone (which can be activated prior to a call), a voice recorder, a calendar, an alarm clock, voice dialing and voice command support, a notepad, a world clock, a calculator, a countdown timer, and a stopwatch. There's also e-mail, a mobile Web browser, and instant messaging. Despite the fewer features on the Type-S, it does have something the Type-V does not--Bluetooth support. This is a welcome addition to the G'zOne series, as it supports the hands-free, headset, and dial-up networking Bluetooth profiles.
As mentioned before, the Type-S comes equipped with a basic VGA camera with 2x digital zoom. It can take pictures in three resolutions (640x480, 320x240, and 120x160) and has a self-timer of up to 10 seconds. Other settings include brightness, white balance, and three color effects. You can also choose to turn the shutter sound on or off. There's a video camera option as well, which can record clips in only one resolution (176x144) and up to 15 seconds in length. Video camera settings include brightness and white balance, as well as the flash, which can be used as a recording light. Typical of most VGA cameras, photo quality was dull, blurry, and utterly mediocre. Video quality didn't fare much better, with jerky and pixilated moving images.
Of course, as with most Verizon phones, the G'zOne Type-S has access to Verizon's Get It Now Internet service, plus the option to purchase Verizon applications like VZ Navigator, which is Verizon's location-based navigation service. The phone doesn't come with any games, but you can always buy more titles via the included Get It Now service. Personalization options are plentiful with a variety of wallpapers, display themes, alert sounds, and more.
Performance
We tested the dual-band (CDMA 800/1900) Type-S in San Francisco using Verizon Wireless. We were very impressed with the call quality, with fantastic voice clarity on both ends. Callers could even hear us in noisier environments like on the city sidewalk. Speakerphone quality was great as well, though it was muffled a little. It even worked when we dunked it underwater. We also tried the phone out while in the shower, and were surprised that we could hear our callers quite well even in that environment. We also managed to pair the Type-S with the Nokia BH-801 Bluetooth headset successfully. Call quality from the headset was similarly loud and clear.
The G'zOne Type-S has a rated talk-time battery life of 3.38 hours and a rated standby time of 7 days. Our tests revealed a talk time of 3 hours and 20 minutes. According to FCC radiation tests, the Type-S has a digital SAR rating of 1.34 watts per kilogram.
What You'll Pay
- Set Price Alert
